Search - Minmi :: Imagine

"Imagine sunshine in the rain..."

C. Bell | Nashville, TN USA | 10/31/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"... And you have effectively described Minmi and her second full-length album (the first being Miracle in 2003). Every song on this album is worth listening to. Minmi's sultry voice and her R&B/Reggae style are enough to drive this album; catchy hooks and two tracks featured on the popular anime series Samurai Champloo don't hurt either.



If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing any Jpop before this album, I warn you now that this is not "Pop" as we know it in the state, but more like R&B and Hip-Hop. In fact, the beats on this album sound very much like what you would hear on the radio here in the states, making the listening experience for a first timer very comforting, or rather familiar. Past the instrumentals, Minmi's vocals are downright mesmerizing. She can sing outright, and she can croon in intimately. Whether or not you know what she is singing (aside from some exclamations and a hook or two in English, the lyrics are Japanese), you will find yourself singing along. Even the featured rappers are good.



There is also a nice mix among the songs. There is the pure reggae, happy song in "Happy Song 2004," a reggae club jam in "Rock City," as well as pure R&B and hip-hop in "Step" and "Put a Spell on U" respectively. The only nagging issue I have with this album are the interludes (there are five of them counting the intro/outro). These really serve no purpose other than being extended intros to the song they precede. Not that I mind radio promos and skits, but it would have been nice to have more of Minmi without the... well... beatboxing?



Regardless, this CD is hot! It's by far an awesome follow up to Miracle, which is also a great album by the way. Of special note are my favorites on the album. Each showcases Minmi's vocal strengths, an impressive beat, and two incorporate complimenting featured artists:



"Put a Spell On U (aka MMB)"

"Who's Theme" and "Shiki no Uta" from Samurai Chaploo and,

"Independent Woman""